Clover Honey: Strongest Antibacterial Activity against E-Coli & Staphylococcus A.

all honeys possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties; its good to note which ones are the most potent...


Antioxidative, antibrowning and antibacterial activities of sixteen floral honeys

Xin Chang, Jiehua Wang, Shaohui Yang, Shan Chen and Yingjin Song; Food & Function; 22 AUG 2011

Commonly consumed honeys from sixteen different single floral sources were analyzed for their in vitro antioxidant capacities by several methods including DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, SASR and MDA assays. 

The total polyphenol contents varied among the tested honeys and were highly correlated to their antioxidant capacity values. The antioxidant capacity of Chinese milk vetch flower honeys was significantly higher than those of other flower honeys. 

All honeys tested were active in inhibiting the browning of apple homogenate and linden honey displayed the highest inhibition rate as 85%. When the antimicrobial activity of the investigated honeys was screened using Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), clover honey exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity as 2.2 mg mL−1 kanamycin equivalent inhibition.

You're Invited: Free Dynamic Phytotherapy Lecture Wednesday at 11 am

Dynamic Phytotherapy has the power to enhance the healing abilities of even the most experienced holistic health practitioner.

Join ACHS President Dorene Petersen for a Brown Bag Lunch talk about Dynamic Phytotherapy remedies and uses this Wednesday, August 31, from 11am-12pm.

This community wellness event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, just email admissions@achs.edu or call us at (503) 244-0726.



Share this info on your Facebook page or tweet about it

for a chance to grab a free ACHS Vintage Apparel hat with your next Apothecary Shoppe purchase. Be one of the first 5 to share this information and let us know about it on ACHS Facebook!!

The ACHS Campus and Botanical Teaching Garden is located in John's Landing at 5940 SW Hood Avenue, Portland OR 97239. Directions are available online here.

Do you use homeobotanicals as part of your health and wellness routine? What do you like most about homeobotanical remedies?

Propolis May Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

consuming propolis aids the immune system, enhances the function of other antibiotics and increases internal healing...

Suppression of interleukin 17 production by Brazilian propolis in mice with collagen-induced arthritis

Mayuri Tanaka, Yoshihiro Okamoto, Takashi Fukui and Toshiyuki Masuzawa; Inflammo Pharmacology; 23 Aug 2011 

Abstract :

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from leaf buds and cracks in the bark of various plants. Propolis has been reported to have immunomodulatory activity. We hypothesized that propolis would be able to reduce the disease severity of rheumatoid arthritis. 

We evaluated the effect of Brazilian propolis ethanolic extract on the pathogenesis of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Mice fed propolis exhibited significant lower clinical arthritis scores than those fed the control diet. To investigate the mechanism of the effect of propolis on CIA mice, we examined interleukin-17 (IL-17) production in CIA mice fed propolis using an enzyme-linked immunospot assay and flow cytometric analysis. The numbers of IL-17-producing cells in the CIA mice fed propolis were significantly decreased. To determine direct influence of propolis on cytokine production, splenocytes were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate in the presence of propolis extract in vitro. Concentration-dependent declines in IL-17 expression were observed by ELISA and real-time PCR methods. We further found that propolis significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells from murine splenocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. 

Taken together, our results may provide a new light on the potential mechanism of the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis.

Meeting the owner of Biostrath

Asara wine estate & Hotel

As I have said before, meeting a legend is a true privilege. In this case it was a legendary product. S. A. Natural products invited me and a few other guests to a lovely breakfast at Asara wine estate, to meet the owner of the Biostrath company, celebrating 50years of Biostrath as a world wide commercial product.

In the 1950s, as a result of poor health caused by Meniere's disease, Fred Pestalozzi, the founder of the company, became aware of a natural product containing a special combination of herbs and yeast. After taking the food supplement for three months he had completely recovered and was able to return to work.


This personal experience and his interest in nature prompted him to find out more about this product. He contacted its inventor, Dr. phil. chem. Walter Strathmeyer, and visited him in Germany. A close friendship developed from these meetings, culminating in the German Strathmeyer presenting his friend with the recipe and licence so that Fred Pestalozzi could spread the "miracle potion" among the people.


This was the moment when the Bio-Strath products were born. In 1961, he set up Bio-Strath AG, based in Zürich and Herrliberg, Switzerland.


Today, the plant's output, amounting to some 1.3 million units per year, is automatically bottled, labelled, packed and prepared for dispatch to destinations at home and abroad. With three sales representatives covering the whole of Switzerland, the company employs a total of 15 members of staff.


In Switzerland and in some other countries the name Bio-Strath has been changed into Strath Food Supplements (liquid, Tablets, Drops) and Strath Remedies.


We started using Biostrath about 5 years ago, when I learned of it. At first I was (like many) concerned that it was a yeast extract and that it would thus promote yeast infections. Well when I saw the studies that showed that Biostrath actually KILLS yeasts, I gave it a try. We have been using it ever since, and have virtually eliminated the common colds and flu from our home.


Biostrath is a good old fashioned TONIC for everyone. I use it on a daily basis in consultations with the many clients I consult, and I get really great results with it.

Christo Lues, owner Eirene Health and David Pestalozzi owner of Biostrath

David Pestalozzi, the current owner of the family business, told us that he has been given, and subsequently have been taking Biostrath since birth! Biostrath is safe in most any medical condition. It is also an ideal supplement for strengthening pregnant or lactating mothers, babies and children as well as the hardworking business owner.

Get your Biostrath today, available in Great tasting Liquid or Tablet form. At Eirene Health Shop you get more than just a product, you get expert professional advice at no extra cost!

ACHS President Dorene Petersen Chats with Aromatherapy Student Cheryl Narron About Benefits of Studying Online

Dorene Petersen, president of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), chats with Aroma 203 student Cheryl Narron about the benefits of the online learning at the College's August 26 lavender distillation. Cheryl shares how much she loves the flexibility.



What is your favorite thing about getting your degree or diploma online?

Drying May Reduce Nutritional Properties of Bee Pollen

Whenever possible, opt for fresh bee pollen, as it's definitely better in taste, flavor and nutritional content than dried pellets. It's like horses who prefer grass than hay...

Influence of the commercial processing and floral origin on bioactive and nutritional properties of honeybee-collected pollen

Diana Domínguez-Valhondo, Diego Bohoyo Gil, María Teresa Hernández, David González-Gómez; International Journal of Food Science & Technology; 22 AUG 2011

Summary:

Pollen is characterised for having a low fat content, a relatively high content of dietary fibre and an important amount of minerals and essential amino acids. With regard to bioactive compounds, honeybee-collected pollen exhibits an important source of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity. 

The purpose of this research was to study how the nutritional properties and the stability of the bioactive compounds found in honeybee-collected pollen were affected by the commercial processing and its floral origin. To achieve this goal, pollen pellets of different floral origin were harvested directly from hives and immediately stored at −80 °C. Pollen pellets were dried by placing them into hot-air chambers (traditional drying methodology) or by means of freeze-drying. We found a slight influence of floral origin on the nutritional properties of pollen pellets (multifloral pollen had higher contents of fat, carbohydrates, proteins and mineral elements than monofloral-type pollen), whereas the abundance of bioactive compounds was correlated with the origin factor as well as the methodology employed to dry the fresh pollen pellets, especially carotenoid pigments such as lutein (5.73 ± 1.80, 4.93 ± 1.16 and 0.81 ± 0.16 μg of lutein per g of pollen for fresh, lyophilised and hot-air-dried multifloral pollen).

More Potent than Aromatherapy - Green Clean Solution from Honey Bees

A Natural, Sanitizing Solution for Home, Office or Car!

Today many health care providers recommend using preventative measures to avoid the onset of serious health conditions. Taking prescription medication with the usual side effects is all too common and one of the reasons there's an increase in antibiotic resistance.

It's also important to keep in mind environmental influences in the home and office. Eliminating things such as mold,  bacteria and mites which also have effects on our health should also ideally be 'green' and non-toxic. Finding a natural approach to boosting the immune system and managing our health and environment is the best approach. One such product well-known in Europe and Asia is Propolis. 

A resinous substance produced by honey bees, Propolis is collected from the buds of trees, has numerous bioflavonoids with very important natural properties. Recent studies worldwide have confirmed that it is:

• anti-bacterial 


• anti-fungal


• anti-viral 


• anti-inflammatory 


• anti-tumor 


• anti-depressant


• anti-septic


• immuno-stimulant   

As Propolis is also very effective for respiratory conditions, an Italian beekeeper designed an electrical diffuser to vaporize these important bioflavonoids into the air.

In 1995, he, with the aid of researchers at the Italian Ministry of Health, conducted several studies in schools and found that propolis vaporizers reduced airborne bacteria by 71.8%. In separate studies in Milan, as a result of having diffusers in nurseries and preschools, the researchers discovered school attendance increased by an average of 32% without any allergic reactions. 

In 2003, additional studies conducted by the Chemical Laboratory of the Chamber of Commerce in Turin, researchers found that when propolis is vaporized and diffused, it reduced the presence of numerous air pollutants. They discovered a 15% reduction of benzenes and 70% reduction of hydrocarbons. For this reason, the inventor also created a vaporizer for cars, trucks, buses and vans.





As stated by noted physician, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D.

“To treat children successfully, we have to use anti-mold strategies.  To a large degree, I don’t use medical drugs.  The propolis vaporizor is a strategy to make the house mold free.  An Italian study showed that if you vaporize propolis at 82.3 C, it creates a monoatomic vapour of propolis in the house that kills every single living microbe in the air, making homes safe for the children.  It’s a fantastic tool.  It’s inexpensive, and has transformed the lives of alot of kids.  An Italian asthma study shows over 70% asthma cures in 6 weeks with kids.  70% asthma cures!  There’s not much that matches that result. The Propolis vaporizer is a big part of my anti-mold strategy”.

Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt M.D.,  LIA Conference 2008

For more information, see the video below or visit our website.

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A Review of Honey and Microbial Infections

a peer-reviewed article from the Journal of Medicinal Food... did someone say medicine in a jar?

Honey and Microbial Infections: A Review Supporting the Use of Honey for Microbial Control

Noori S. Al-Waili, Khelod Salom, Glenn Butler and Ahmad A. Al Ghamdi. Journal of Medicinal Food, 22 Aug 2011

Honey has been used as a medicine throughout the ages and has recently been reintroduced to modern medical practice. Much of the research to date has addressed honey's antibacterial properties and its effects on wound healing. 

Laboratory studies and clinical trials have shown that honey is an effective broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. 


Honey antimicrobial action explains the external and internal uses of honey. Honey has been used to treat adult and neonatal postoperative infection, burns, necrotizing fasciitis, infected and nonhealing wounds and ulcers, boils, pilonidal sinus, venous ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. These effects are ascribed to honey's antibacterial action, which is due to acidity, hydrogen peroxide content, osmotic effect, nutritional and antioxidants content, stimulation of immunity, and to unidentified compounds. 


When ingested, honey also promotes healing and shows antibacterial action by decreasing prostaglandin levels, elevating nitric oxide levels, and exerting prebiotic effects. These factors play a major role in controlling inflammation and promoting microbial control and healing processes. This article reviews data supporting the effectiveness of natural honey in eradicating human pathogens and discusses the mechanism of actions.

Trendy Electronic Products in the B2B Markets

Due to the undeniable growth of science and technology, there has been a sudden spurt in the use of electronic products. The new generation finds it difficult to live their lives without the latest gadgets. It is quite true that these equipments have accelerated the pace of our day to day lives. Each day, a new electric gadget is introduced in the market which makes a fashion statement.



Popular Electronic Products in the Market



Computers: Computers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Be it home or office, people consider it a necessity rather than a luxury. Computers with new configurations or laptops with sleek designs and cool colors are being launched in the market with each passing day. Companies are keen on innovations and latest technologies to attract customers.

MP3 players: The MP3 and MP4 players are musical gadgets that is being upgraded every now and then with better storage capacity, sound levels, designs, increased performance, battery life and so forth. With the development of these electronic products, there has been great development in the field of entertainment.



Camcorders: Videography has witnessed a tremendous change with small camcorders used to capture precious moments in life. Gone are the days when large cameras were used to picture videos. Camcorders are in vogue these days with latest technologies and features. Video tapes are replaced with DVDs and CDs.



IPods: These tiny musical gadgets are among the favourites of youngsters and adults too. It is portable and easy to carry which makes it a craze among music lovers. You can easily enjoy all your favourite music anywhere and anytime. Different iPods have various storage facilities according to its memory card.



Digital cameras: One of the most important electronic products is the digital camera which is in great demand. The digital cameras have come a long way from being an ordinary wooden box camera to one which no longer requires film rolls.



The Other Essential Electronic Products



In addition to entertainment gadgets, there are many essential electronic products like refrigerators, microwave ovens, washing machines, coolers, fans, security equipments and so forth. These gadgets have made life simple.



Another essential gadget is the cellular phone record which helps to record calls in addition to easy communication. It is a very useful gadget in the fast paced world of sophisticated technology.



Most of these gadgets can be bought online as there are a good number of electronic products suppliers in the b2b markets. All the latest products are updated in the b2b directories so that customers are well informed about the latest trends. Buying them online has many benefits as it saves time and money.



Some of the reliable and latest electronic products manufacturers include the Sai Deep Enterprises, Thane, A.S Marketing, J.B.S. Marketing and so forth. These companies are engaged in the production and supply of various gadgets like microwave ovens, electrical items, and home appliances.



Most of the electronic products are offered at discounted rates at the time of festivals and seasons. Regardless of prices, mankind has reached a stage where gadgets have become an indispensable part of life.

How Business Directories Help To Augment Import-Export Business

Technology has elevated to greater heights with the advent of online business transactions. The use of business directory to promote import and export is one of the major breakthroughs in the field of business. There are a number of benefits of using these online directories. There has been a substantial growth of both import and export in the country due to the use of these directories.

Effects of Business Directory on Import Export Business

The advent of internet technology has led to the growth of business directory. Today most of the people choose to buy and sell through online web portals. Such transactions help to save time and money. There are many advantages of using online directories and it has an immense effect on the import-export business of the country. Some of the effects on the import export business include:

• Better business opportunities: with the use of business directory, suppliers, manufacturers, buyers, sellers, importers and exporters of different countries come together on a single platform simultaneously which increases business opportunities. Better and faster communication and transactions can take place through such directories.
• Wider exposure: the Small and Medium Enterprises have benefited immensely with the use of these directories as it is the cheapest and fastest way of advertising products and services. Unlike the large business enterprises, the small and medium enterprises find it difficult to obtain required exposure for their products and services.
• Better opportunities in the international markets: through the business directory, import and export has increased as there are greater opportunities being exposed to the global markets. Both importers and exporters are able to conduct business transactions easily and quickly. Even small exporters can post their product advertisements in a cost effective manner. Some directories offer opportunities to companies for free posting of ads.
• Use of product catalogs: companies can update their product catalogs, which display the launch of latest products and their specifications, through a business directory.
• Use of online forms: unlike the traditional methods of inquiry which requires time, with the use of such directories interested buyers can post their inquiries online which is faster and easier.
• Trade leads: trade leads can be obtained through a business directory which further accelerates the speed of business both nationally and internationally.
• Business relations: long term business relations can be built with the use of online directories. Traders from different parts of the world join together for business transactions simultaneously.

Undoubtedly, the online business directories have aided in boosting the import and export of the country in many ways. Today India is able to face competition in the international markets. Indian exporters have found this global platform beneficial for their overall growth.



In countries like India the introduction of liberalization policies by the government coupled with the use of online directories has massively impacted the demand of Indian goods in the international markets. Indian importers have also benefited with the introduction of the online b2b directories.



In short, online directories have a major role to play in augmenting the import and export business of a country.

Bee Venom Component Protects Liver Cells Against Injury

Is there anything from honey bees that isn't good?!?!?!

Protective Effects of Melittin on Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Injury to Hepatocytes Via Anti-Apoptotic Mechanism

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 17-Aug 2011

Melittin is a cationic, hemolytic peptide that is the main toxic component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Melittin has multiple effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, in various cell types. However, the anti-apoptotic mechanisms of melittin have not been fully elucidated in hepatocytes.

Apoptosis contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis. Knowledge of the apoptotic mechanisms is important to develop new and effective therapies for treatment of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver cancer, and other liver diseases.

In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. TGF-β1-treated hepatocytes were exposed to low doses (0.5 and 1 μg/mL) and high dose (2 μg/mL) of melittin. The low doses significantly protected these cells from DNA damage in TGF-β1-induced apoptosis compared to the high dose. Also, melittin suppressed TGF-β1-induced apoptotic activation of the Bcl-2 family and caspase family of proteins, which resulted in the inhibition of poly–ADP–ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage.

These results demonstrate that TGF-β1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis and that an optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects against TGF-β1-induced injury to hepatocytes via the mitochondrial pathway. These results suggest that an optimal dose of melittin can serve to protect cells against TGF-β1-mediated injury.

Highlights

► We investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on TGF-β1-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes.

► TGF-β1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis.

► TGF-β1-treated hepatocytes were exposed to low doses (0.5 and 1 μg/mL) and high dose (2 μg/mL) of melittin.

► An optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects to hepatocytes via the mitochondrial pathway.

You're Invited: ACHS Lavender Distillation and Sidewalk Sale August 26

In celebration of the end of the summer season, we're distilling the lavender from the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden this Friday, August 26, and you're invited!



Join ACHS President Dorene Petersen for this unique hands-on workshop and learn:

• Best practices for harvesting fresh lavender
• How to distill fresh lavender
• Therapeutic uses for lavender essential oil and distillation by products
• Distillation begins at 11 am and is free and open to the public.

This is a popular event, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot - just email admissions@achs.edu or call us at (503) 244-0726.



Come early for our Apothecary Shoppe Back-to-School Sidewalk Sale with aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and holistic nutrition books discounted up to 30% off. The Sale opens at 9 am and is first come, first served. Don't miss this opportunity to build your library at great savings!



The ACHS Campus and Botanical Teaching Garden is located in John's Landing at 5940 SW Hood Avenue, Portland OR 97239. Directions are available online here.



We look forward to seeing you Friday!

Hang Out with ACHS at Spaw Day, A Fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society

Don't have plans for tomorrow evening? Come hang out with us! American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) is participating in Spaw Day, a fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society, hosted at Sniff Dog Hotel (1828 NW Raleigh St. Portland, OR 97209), Thursday, August 25th, from 6-8pm.



Spaw Day, an Oregon Humane Society event hosted by Sniff, is a fun opportunity for you and your dog to relax and enjoy spa activities together, including massages, aromatherapy, manicures, and other spa-like features.



Stop by and visit with us! It's going to be really fun! For directions, click here http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Sniff%20Dog%20Hotel

Propolis Extract Protects Nerve Cells

Propolis, the proven protector against bacteria, mold, viruses, cancer and inflammation, now adds neurprotection to its list --- WOW!!

Northeast Portuguese Propolis Protects Against Staurosporine and Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Neurotoxicity in Primary Cortical Neurons
Food and Chemical Toxicology, Article in Press 

"The present work describes the protective effects of the crude Northeast Portuguese propolis enriched phenolic extract against staurosporine (STS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neurotoxicity.


These two stress inducers act through various pathways, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the induction of apoptosis through caspases activation. STS (25 and 50 nM) and H2O2 (100 μM) increased intracellular ROS and diminished cellular reducing ability in cultured cortical neurons, under conditions unrelated with massive loss of plasma membrane integrity, suggesting decreased neuronal function. Moreover, 25 nM STS and 100 μM H2O2 increased caspase-3 activity by about 2.8-fold and 4.6-fold, respectively. Pre-treatment of cortical neurons with the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) in the range of 0.01 to 1 μg/ml showed no protective effect on cell reducing capacity, but decreased H2O2-stimulated increment in ROS production by about 17%. In addition, the EEP attenuated STS- or H2O2- induced activation of caspase-3 by 23-39%.

Highlights

► The Northeast Portuguese propolis phenolic extract is neuroprotective.

► The propolis phenolic extract decreases H2O2-stimulated increment of ROS production.

► The propolis phenolic extract attenuates STS- and H2O2-induced activation of caspase-3.

Overall, the results show moderate protective effects induced by Northeast Portuguese EEP in c subjected to stress stimuli."

AHPA Congress on NDIs - September 8, 2011

We received this event notification from the American Herbal Products Association, which we thought you may be interested in attending. Please refer to the links within the post for further questions and information about how to register.

AHPA Congress on NDIs: Crafting an Industry Response & Filing Successful Notifications

When:

Thursday, September 8, 2011

8:30am - 5:30pm



Where:

Mesirow Financial Services Auditorium

353 North Clark St.

Chicago, IL 60654



Register by August 25 and save $100 on registration!

Register



The AHPA Congress on NDIs will sift through the clutter, the hype and unanswered questions on NDIs to provide clarity and help industry companies answer the following questions:

• How would the FDA draft guidance on NDIs--if it is not amended--affect your business and the kind of products that you sell?
• What specific sections of FDA's draft need to change to protect consumer access to a broad range of supplements?
• Should your company file comments to try to change the FDA draft guidance?
• What should your comments--and those from AHPA--tell FDA?
• Do you need to file NDIs for your particular class of ingredients and/or products?
• Exactly how do you do that?
• The AHPA Congress on NDIs is geared to all companies that rely on new products and product innovation and whose products fall under the regulatory framework created by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).

Session 1: Crafting an Industry Response to the NDI Guidance

McGuffin--widely considered to be one of the industry's leading experts on NDIs--will moderate this town-hall-style discussion on the development of industry's comments regarding the draft NDI guidance. Participants will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and positions and have them discussed among a panel of attorneys recognized as NDI experts, including:



Anthony Young, Esq., AHPA General Counsel and Partner, Kleinfeld, Kaplan & Becker

Alan Feldstein, Esq., Counsel, Collins, McDonald & Gann

Jim Prochnow, Esq., Partner, GreenbergTraurig (invited)

Ashish Talati, Esq., Partner, Amin Talati

Session 2: Filing Successful NDI Notifications

The afternoon session features preeminent companies with real-world experience in creating high-caliber, successful NDI submissions. The presenters will deliver practical, hands-on information and advice on the necessary steps needed to develop and submit NDI notifications for numerous product categories.



Hear from:



CANTOX, an InterTek Company

NSF-DBA

Spherix Inc.

The Program - Thursday, September 8, 2011

8 - 9 a.m. - Registration, Continental Breakfast, Networking

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Session 1

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch, provided by Grifcon Enterprises

1:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Session 2

5:30 p.m. - Adjournment



Event Registration

Attendance is limited to 100 participants. Early registration is suggested. Click HERE to register.



Conference Location & Lodging Information

The AHPA NDI Congress will be held at the Mesirow Financial corporate headquarters, 353 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654.



A limited number of rooms have been reserved at the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/River North for the night of September 7 at a special rate of $159 on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations at the discounted price, contact Liz Rejniak, Gray's Travel Management, via phone: 800.966.8728, or email. Mention the "AHPA-Mesirow Congress" to receive this discount. Please do not contact the hotel directly.

Honey Reduces Wound Bacterial Load in Chronic Wounds

An important nursing review of a new superabsorbent dressing imbued with Manuka honey.

Using a superabsorbent dressing and antimicrobial for a venous ulcer

Sylvie Hampton, Anna Coulborn, Martin Tadej, Cathie Bree-Aslan
British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 20, Iss. 15 - Supplement, 11 Aug 2011, pp 38 - 43

In chronic wounds, exudate is believed to prolong the inflammatory phase and is detrimental to healing (Trengove et al, 1999; Vowden and Vowden, 2004). Poor exudate management can have important management cost implications, and may result in increased patient morbidity (White and Cutting, 2006).

Accurate assessment of wound exudate is a key component of wound healing and management is achieved through different methods depending on the cause of the excessive exudate production. Superabsorbent dressings have been designed to treat highly exuding wounds; they have a greater fluid-handling capacity than traditional dressings and require changing less frequently (Tadej, 2009).

This case study reports on the combined use of a superabsorbent dressing with an antibacterial dressing in a 102-year-old patient who presented with a painful infected venous ulcer complicated by some arterial disease. The combination of the superabsorbent KerraMax® (Crawford Healthcare) with the antibacterial honey Algivon® (Advancis Medical) created the ideal dressing for the treatment of this infected mixed aetiology ulcer, as manuka honey has a strong antibacterial effect (Molan, 1992), and the dressing absorbs the excessive exudate.

The dressings worked together to reduce the bacterial load on the wound bed surface, with the honey selectively destroying the bacteria (Molan, 1992), and KerraMax absorbed and locked away the bacteria-containing exudate, which helped to reduce further exudate production, prevent maceration and reduce the potential for a wound to become malodorous (Hampton, 2011).

Royal Jelly Has Lifespan-Extending Effect

Reinforces what we know - the queen lives much longer due to her exclusive diet of Royal Jelly...

Lifespan-Extending Effects of Royal Jelly and Its Related Substances on the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
PLoS ONE 6(8): Published: August 9, 2011

Background

One of the most important challenges in the study of aging is to discover compounds with longevity-promoting activities and to unravel their underlying mechanisms. Royal jelly (RJ) has been reported to possess diverse beneficial properties. Furthermore, protease-treated RJ (pRJ) has additional pharmacological activities. Exactly how RJ and pRJ exert these effects and which of their components are responsible for these effects are largely unknown. The evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that control longevity have been indicated. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether RJ and its related substances exert a lifespan-extending function in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and to gain insights into the active agents in RJ and their mechanism of action.

Principal Findings

We found that both RJ and pRJ extended the lifespan of C. elegans. The lifespan-extending activity of pRJ was enhanced by Octadecyl-silica column chromatography (pRJ-Fraction 5). pRJ-Fr.5 increased the animals' lifespan in part by acting through the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16, the activation of which is known to promote longevity in C. elegans by reducing insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS). pRJ-Fr.5 reduced the expression of ins-9, one of the insulin-like peptide genes. Moreover, pRJ-Fr.5 and reduced IIS shared some common features in terms of their effects on gene expression, such as the up-regulation of dod-3 and the down-regulation of dod-19, dao-4 and fkb-4. 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which was present at high concentrations in pRJ-Fr.5, increased lifespan independently of DAF-16 activity.

Conclusions/Significance

These results demonstrate that RJ and its related substances extend lifespan in C. elegans, suggesting that RJ may contain longevity-promoting factors. Further analysis and characterization of the lifespan-extending agents in RJ and pRJ may broaden our understanding of the gene network involved in longevity regulation in diverse species and may lead to the development of nutraceutical interventions in the aging process.

Bees Still Love Obama: White House Hive Awash in Honey

Bee hives thrive in urban areas, ignoring politics. Good advice, eh?

Washington Whispers (usnews.com)

By PAUL BEDARD

Posted: August 17, 2011

At least the White House honey bees are sticking with the president. Set in some of Washington's lushest gardens and tree groves, and right next to first lady Michelle Obama's veggie patch, the single South Lawn hive has produced a record 225 and a half pounds of honey this year, nearly double its first year production.

"It's just craziness," says White House carpenter and bee keeper Charlie Brandts. "They did really well this year." 

While it's common for most hobby hives to produce about 60 pounds, or five gallons of honey, the White House hive has always been an over-producer, giving up 134 pounds the first year and 183 pounds the second.

The reason is simple: there's tons of blooms offering the little bugs tasty nectar to bring back to the hive.

"Urban colonies in a long season location, near lots of water and lots of ornamental plantings, with little competition and almost no pest pressure seem to do quite well," says Kim Flottum, editor of Bee Culture , the industry's magazine. The White House hive, he adds, "Is in honey bee heaven as far as location is concerned."

Flottum says that having a bee hive on the South Lawn and a good spokesman for the hobby in Brandts has helped the hobby industry grow. When I told him that the White House considers Brandts a "hero" for his work with the bees, Flottum says, "You can add that U.S. beekeepers think he is too. His enthusiasm and dedication have help the image of beekeeping more than anyone can imagine."

Brandts says that the bees made so much honey, that he had to take heavy honey-bound frames off the hive four times this summer. Typically, hobby bee keepers take honey frames off once or twice. He finally finished extracting all the liquid sugar last week.

He said that the flavor is similar to past years, though there's less hint of basswood. 

At the White House, honey is bottled for gifts and used to make cookies, salad dressing, and beer. Pastry chef Bill Yosses has even jumped in to help Brandts tend to the bees.

"They've really embraced honey," the bee keeper says of the first family and East Wing staff.

Propolis Found to be Natural Anti-Protozoal Agent

Propolis, the natural protector extraordinaire...

Activity of Cuban Propolis Extracts on Leishmania amazonensis and Trichomonas vaginalis
Natural Product Communications, 2011 Jul;6(7):973-6

In this paper we analyzed the antiprotozoal effects of eighteen Cuban propolis extracts (brown, red and yellow type) collected in different geographic areas, using Leishmania amazonensis (as a model of intracellular protozoa) and Trichomonas vaginalis (as a model of extracellular protozoa).

All evaluated propolis extracts caused inhibitory effect on intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis. However, cytotoxicity on peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice was observed. Only five samples decreased the viability of T. vaginalis trophozoites at concentrations lower than 10 microg/mL. No correlation between the type of propolis and antiprotozoal activity was found.
Cuban propolis extracts demonstrated activity against both intracellular and extracellular protozoa model, as well as the potentialities of propolis as a natural source to obtain new antiprotozoal agents...

Diverse pharmacological activities of propolis have been explored, such as: anti-inflammatory and anti-tumoral effect [2a]. Up to now, antimicrobial properties have been widely investigated; including antibacterial [2b], antiviral [2c] and antifungal activity [2d]. Antiparasitic activities have also been reported against  Trypanosoma cruzi  [2e] and Giardia duodenalis [2f]. However, only a few studies have been carried out for the antileishmanial [3a-3c] and antitrichomonocidal activity [4a]. In Cuba, propolis has displayed therapeutic potentialities as antipsoriatic, antiinflamatory, analgesic [4b], antibacterial [4c] and antitumoral [4d]. Scarce reports can be found about its antiparasitic activity. Thus, its biological potentiality has not been explored totally...  

Leishmania are protozoa that cause leishmaniasis [5a]. The disease is endemic in 88 countries throughout Latin America, Africa, Asia and Southern Europe. Approximately 350 million people are thought to be at risk with a worldwide prevalence  of 12 million and annual incidence of 2 million new cases [5b]...